The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has apprehended 82 suspects in January for various financial and cyber-related crimes, including internet fraud, romance scams, identity theft, cryptocurrency fraud, and transnational fraud. The arrests were made through the National Cybercrime Centre (NCCC) in a nationwide crackdown.
During a press briefing at the NPF-NCCC headquarters, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobithe paraded some of the suspects linked to multi-million-dollar fraud schemes affecting individuals and organizations both within and outside Nigeria.
Among the notable cases, officers arrested Saidu Adam Usman and Yusuf Umar for operating fraudulent financial accounts used in scams totaling over ₦400 million. The duo allegedly created Moniepoint profiles using pre-registered SIM cards and email addresses, then sold them to accomplices for fraudulent Bank Verification Number (BVN) registration and Know Your Customer (KYC) verification. Once activated, the accounts were secured and controlled by an unidentified foreign collaborator.
Another significant arrest involved Rabiu Aliyu Salisu, alias “Rabo,” who was implicated in identity theft, computer-related fraud, and money laundering. He allegedly posed as an American citizen named Matthew Ramsey and defrauded a U.S. national, Deborah Woods, of $597,000.
Additionally, the Force arrested Idowu Smart Emmanuel following a petition on criminal defamation, cyberstalking, and falsehood. Emmanuel later admitted to fabricating allegations.
The NPF cautioned the public against cyber-related crimes, urging individuals to verify the legitimacy of online transactions and financial dealings. It reaffirmed its commitment to tackling cybercrime and ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
